 |
Bears and Other Wildlife |
|
Sighting native wildlife can be a high point of your visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
A little information in advance can make things more enjoyable for you, and safer for the animal.
Photo Credit
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not a petting zoo, and it is easy to forget that these animals are wild and living in their natural habitat. Do not approach an animal you see in the wild, no matter how tame it appears, or how great that close-up photo would look.
Feeding the wildlife is prohibited in the Park - and with good reason: animals who have learned to associate people with food, also learn to be a hazard to those same people. Bears have had to be killed because they became a danger in their quest for a handout. Don't convince yourself that "just this once" won't hurt anything.
Books about native wildlife, plants and wildflowers are available at local stores in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, including the gift shops in the National Park Visitor Centers.
- Bears
- The most famous "celebrity" in the National Park, the black bear attracts a lot of attention when he puts in an appearance. Never forget these animals are wild and potentially dangerous, especially in campgrounds and picnic areas where some have learned to associate people with food. If you encounter one, do not try to approach it. Do not toss food to the bear, or intentionally leave food behind for it. Mother bears are especially protective of their cubs. (If you see a cub, assume the mother is close by.) Don't be a hero - the bear will win.
- Deer
- White-tailed deer are abundant in the Park. Cades Cove is your best bet for seeing them, although they can be found grazing in any of the open fields. Look for them at dusk or sunrise.
- Wild Boars
- Descendants of a European boar accidentally released into the area years ago, wild boars are not native to the Smokies. Though they look ferocious, there are no reports of them harming humans, but the female is protective of her young. The only time you will encounter one is along the trails in the backcountry. If you come across one, make noise so it knows you're there, and it will give you a wide berth.
- Snakes
- There are two species of poisonous snakes in the Smokies (timber rattlers and copperheads), so watch where you step while hiking, especially hiking off trail. Sturdy footwear is a good idea.
- Bobcats
- Nocturnal and secretive, these cats are rarely seen by human eyes. Because of their shyness, they are not considered dangerous to humans. If you should see one, count yourself among the privileged.
- Elk
- Elk were reintroduced into the National Park in February 2001. The National Park Service plans to introduce more over the next few years. The Park Service is urging visitors to maintain a distance from these animals while they adapt to their new surroundings.
 |
|
|